On the Road – Cardiff City

5 December 2014

What is it like at the Cardiff City Stadium?

After spending 99 years at their former Ninian Park ground, the Club in 2009 moved only a quarter of a mile away to the new stadium.

In 2014 the Club set upon increasing the capacity by 5,000 seats chiefly by expanding the Ninian Park Stand on one side. This stand was originally single tiered, but has since had a small second tier and then an overhanging third tier added, making it the tallest and largest stand at the stadium. However, it's most striking feature is its roof, which is simply huge, elevating and extending quite a distance forward to provide cover to those below.

Located opposite is the Grandstand. Named after the corresponding stand at the old Ninian Park, this stand is two tiered, with a small second tier of seating that overlaps the back of the lower tier. In this area at the rear of the lower section there is a row of executive boxes. Both ends are virtually identical, being single tiered, all seater affairs. The roofs above these stands are situated quite high above the seating areas, with a large back wall, part of which contains perspex panels to provide more light to the playing surface. The stadium is completely enclosed with all four corners having spectator seating.

Outside the stadium there are the entrance gates that once welcomed visiting players and officials to Ninian Park. Beside the gates is a plaque in remembrance of Scotland and Celtic Manager Jock Stein who passed away at Ninian Park shortly after a Wales v Scotland World Cup Qualifying game in 1985.

How much will it cost me and can I pay on the day?

Tickets for this game are priced at £25 for adults and £18 for concessions (seniors 60+, 16-21 years and juniors) in the general area.

A limited amount of tickets are also available to buy in the family area and these cost £18 for adults, £10 for senior/16-21 years and £5 under 16s. A family ticket for two adults and two under 16s can also be purchased for a price of £40.

Tickets are now on general sale and can be purchased from the Rotherham United ticket office in person, over the phone or on the website.

Tickets go off sale at 1pm on Friday 5th December but tickets are available on the day. Click here for more information.

Where will we be sat?

Away fans are located in one corner of the stadium, between the Ninian & Grange stands, where up to 1,800 fans can be accommodated.

As you would expect from a new stadium the view of the playing action and facilities are good. The acoustics are also good, with the stadium having a loud PA system. The concourses are spacious and have televisions to keep you entertained.

Where can I eat and drink?

Unfortunately there are no bars in close proximity to the stadium and the majority of pubs close to the old Ninian Park are home fans only.

Around a 10 minute walk away on Lawrenny Avenue there is the Gol Centre and Canton Rugby Football Club that both allow away fans, with the latter offering free parking.

Alternatively you can drink in the city centre and then travel to the stadium if you have time on your side. Inside the ground, they also sell Fosters, Strongbow and Brains Bitter at a price of £3.90.

Where can I park and what's the postcode for my sat nav?

There is limited parking available at the Cardiff City Stadium, with the majority of spaces reserved for season ticket holders, but there are alternative parking areas within a short walking distance of the ground.

Local businesses, such as the Gol Centre (£4) and the rugby club, provide parking facilities but it is worth noting that the local retail park does have parking restrictions that are heavily enforced.

The city centre is also around a 30 minute walk away so parking in one of the pay & display areas could also be an option.

The postcode for the sat-nav is CF11 8AZ.

Can I get there on the train?

Millers fans can travel from Rotherham Central to the nearest station, Grangetown, in approximately four hours. However this does require changes in Sheffield, Birmingham New Street and Cardiff Central. Supporters would also have to leave on the 9:27 train from Rotherham at the very latest to comfortably make kick-off. The last train leaves Grangetown at 18:24 and will arrive back in Rotherham at 22:45.

Alternatively, Cardiff Central is only a 25 minute walk from the stadium if you wanted to enjoy some of the sights of the City Centre.

Will I recognise anyone there?

The most familiar face in the Cardiff City line-up if selected will be striker Adam Le Fondre. 'Alfie', as he is affectionately known, was a popular figure in the Millers team during a goal laden spell between 2009 and 2011, before moving onto Reading and then subsequently Cardiff. This could be the first time he has lined up against the Millers since leaving the club.

Famous supporters that Millers fans may recognise include the band Super Furry Animals, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock and the creator of SuperTed Mike Young.

Have we been before?

This will be the Millers first ever visit to the new Cardiff City Stadium, having not crossed paths with the South Wales side since the ground opened in 2009.

In fact the last meeting between the sides came in November 2004, when the Millers were last in the Championship. The last meeting in South Wales was in October 2004, when Cardiff ran out 2-0 winners at Ninian Park, thanks to two second half goals from Peter Thorne.

The Millers last win in Cardiff came back in August 1998; when a Lee Glover strike in a Division Three encounter gave Rotherham a 1-0 win.

What shirt should I wear?

The Millers will be wearing their white away kit for this game.

Who is in charge?

After a poor start to the season under previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, chairman Vincent Tan turned to former Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade, who was voted as the League One Manager of the Year last season.

Taking over in October 2014, Slade will be looking to build upon an encouraging start and climb up the table towards the promotion places.

Who to watch out for?

Goalkeeper David Marshall is always impressive and striker Kenwyne Jones is the top scorer with six strikes in all competitions, but the man to look out for is midfielder Aron Gunnarsson.

The Icelandic international skipper has been in great form for club and country so far this season and also possesses an incredible long-throw.